About Us

LACOE Gives Families a Head Start.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education Head Start and Early Learning Division offers 
a comprehensive prenatal-to-five early learning program. We partner with families, communities, and providers to give children of all abilities the skills to succeed in school and life.

Who We Are

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Head Start and Early Learning Division understands that a lifetime of success begins with a healthy educational foundation in early childhood. That’s why we provide early childhood education programs and services for low-income children, from birth to age five, and their families. Since 1979, LACOE has focused on the needs of the whole child—from early learning skills and literacy to support for the entire family’s health and well-being. Our programs help get kids ready for school and strengthen families for successful futures.

What We Do

We work with 16 agencies, including school districts and nonprofit agencies to provide Head StartEarly Head Start, and state programs that serve the needs of thousands of children and families across Los Angeles County. By administering program funding, providing outstanding staff development training, monitoring program compliance, and offering additional community resources to support agency programs, we help ensure our agencies deliver the highest quality services every family and child deserves.

Our Programs

LACOE early childhood education programs prepare even the littlest learners for school. Designed for children of different ages and abilities, from birth to age five, our programs address the needs of the whole child with a focus on learning skills and literacy. Studies show that when a child starts school with the social and academic skills they need to learn, they are more likely to be successful throughout their school years. All of our programs work toward this goal.

    LACOE HSEL Strategic Plan

    LACOE Head Start and Early Learning Division and our partners collaboratively designed our 2024–2029 Strategic Plan to guide our focus for the five-year project period ahead. Invigorated and rejuvenated by our new vision—Cultivating Relationships to Foster Communities of Excellence—and committed to being human-centered, innovative-minded, and learning-focused, we look forward to embracing new opportunities to better serve children, families, and communities together. Check out the video of how we arrived at this plan. Strategic Plan.English. Strategic Plan Video Spanish.

    Our Agencies

    The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Head Start and Early Learning Division receives state and federal funds that support 16 agencies. These funds provide quality early education programs and services for children (birth to age five) and their families. We work closely with school districts and nonprofit agencies to serve thousands of children in Los Angeles County through Head StartEarly Head Start, and State Programs. 

    When we contract with an agency, we do more than just provide funding and make sure they comply with program rules and regulations. We train staff, provide ongoing assistance, and offer additional community resources to support the program. This way, we help our valued agencies deliver the best services to each child and family they serve. Unless otherwise noted, all agencies provide Early Head Start and Head Start services.

    Brochures / Publications

    Are you ready to give your child a Head Start?

    We’re here to help you set your child up for school success. Call us today to find a program near you. We’ll ask for information about your child and where you live to help you find the best fit.

     

    1-877-PRE-K-KID (1-877-773-5543)